Real Madrid vs Girona: What to expect

Real Madrid will play against Girona in their match day 29 fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu today March 18, 2018 (8:45 CET), and coach Zinedine Zidane has named an 18-man squad, with 6 star players missing out due to injuries.

The Whites are ready for a test of their might as they look forward to winning their fourth game in a row at a match which also graces Bernabeu for the first time.

Training today 💪 #KBNueve @realmadrid #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/iqdTXTDP0v

— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) March 17, 2018

Madrid are hosting Girona only fifteen days after their win over Getafe for what will be a first-time clash on madridista turf, and the visitors may spring up little surprises this season, starting with the Los Blancos.

While Girona are expected to upset the champions with a result that will bring an end to Madrid’s fine run, madridistas are hoping for victory, having enjoyed a three-match cruise against Getafe (3-1) and Éibar (1-2) in the league, and PSG (1-2) in the Champions League. Zinedine’s men are focused on making it four before going into next week’s international break. And midfielder Toni Kroos could be the key yet again.

🔝👌 @ToniKroos, the pass master! Our German midfielder has been the BEST passer in LaLiga since he joined #RealMadrid in 2014!
➡ 7,775 passes
📈 92.7% passing accuracy#RMLiga https://t.co/OSIftbq6x2

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 17, 2018

Speaking at a pre-match conference, Zizou said: ‘We are focused on the game against Girona. They are a good side and have enjoyed a great season, but the most important thing is what we go out there and give out best…We are fully prepared.”

Madrid are optimistic of their chances to come out on top of the Spanish league table, and coach Zidane admits a win against Girona will boost their current standing, having recorded 4 wins in 4 games, with 19 goals scored and just 4 conceded. Los Blancos boast of La Liga’s best attack with a record 37 goals so far in 2018.

🌧💪⚽ The players are training under the rain at #RMCity!#HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/du80MZeis3

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 17, 2018

The following are expected to represent Madrid in tonight’s La Liga match:

REAL MADRID SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Navas and Casilla.
Defenders: Carvajal, Vallejo, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo and Theo.
Midfielders: Kroos, Modric, Casemiro, Asensio, Isco and Kovacic.
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale and Lucas Vázquez.

‘We are confident and never afraid to play against any team, but I have respect for Real Madrid,’ said Girona boss Pablo Machín ahead of the clash.

Girona is equally a good side and in great form. They won their last three games, with Stuani, who has scored a total of 15 goals this season, and Portu, 11. Both footballers are the key men for the Catalans, having scored 26 of the team’s 40 La Liga goals.